Dreadbox Kinematic / Lethargy / Komorebi / Darkness

It isn’t often that we review and demo 4 pedals all on the same day, but when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at it. The first 4 pedals in this particular series from Dreadbox each bring a different flavor to the mix, and you could argue that they’re all some players would need for an entire pedalboard. Full of modulated weirdness with a wild reverb at the end, the Kinematic, Lethargy, Komorebi and Darkness effects sound fantastic one their own, and even better as one collective group.

Since there’s a lot to delve into with these pedals, we’re gonna give you a short synapsis of each, and let you dive into our demo videos for all the information on each one. Here are the basic rundowns:

KINEMATIC is a VCA-based Compressor and Envelope Filter suitable for fretted instruments and synthesizers, with Eurorack compatibility. This one features a Band Boost Filter, extreme Compression Ratio, Envelope Filter, Low Pass Filter, Slow Envelope Curve, a post-diode Overdrive circuit and a level Boost up to +18dB. Kinematic is a Greek based word (Κίνημα), which describes motion – of points, bodies or systems of bodies, without the consideration of the forces that cause them to move.

LETHARGY is a Full Analog 8-Stage OTA Phase Shifter with 2 Different LFO Waves pushing a wide range LFO from several sec up to 110Hz. Great for a classic Vibrato effect, it also features 3 patch points for Manual, Rate and LFO Out modular control. Lethargy derives from the greek word for forgetfulness, “Lethe”. It is a state of being drowsy and dull. The feeling of having little energy or of being unable or unwilling to do anything.

KOMOREBI is a full analog BBD Chorus Flanger with 3 LFO Waves that’s great for Static Comb Filters. The BBD Time pushed from 2ms up to 40ms, and there are 3 patch points for Static, Rate and LFO Out control with modular racks. Komorebi is an untranslatable Japanese word, which eloquently captures the effect of sunlight streaming through the leaves of the trees.

DARKNESS is a Digital True Stereo Reverb effect pedal and it is a result of our collaboration with Sinevibes. DARKNESS has a single versatile and flexible formula, that can create from Small and Smooth Reflections up to Huge Shimmering and Endless Reverbs.

We told you these all sounded great together, too, so be sure to check out one last demo below and hear them all in action as one. Dreadbox has created an literal army of effects pedals that are marching toward your pedalboard with no stopping in sight. There’s a 5th pedal coming out soon as well, so stay tuned for the Raindrops Stereo Delay-Looper, which will absolutely make this set complete. Thanks to Dreadbox for letting us check these out, be sure to visit their website after your exhausting day of demo watching!